Expensive calls to consumer helplines to end

Customers calling helplines to complain about faulty items or incorrect orders will no longer have to pay more than the basic rate, the Government has announced.

The new rights will end expensive premium 084 and 087 numbers for customers. Credit: Press Association

Consumer Minister Jo Swinson said the new right would end expensive premium 084 and 087 numbers for customers calling airlines, train operators and major high street and online retailers.

Many firms already offer freephone or basic rate numbers but consumers can find that some traders provide an 0800 or freephone number for pre-contract calls to attract new customers but then only offer expensive premium rate numbers when the product or service has been paid for.

The measure is to be included in the regulations implementing the Consumer Rights Directive, which is due to come into force in June 2014.